News 8/28/15

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an emergency order for Lake and Trinity counties to help residents and businesses recover from the damaging effects of wildfires. a series of wildfires in those counties has burned tens of thousands of acres, destroyed dozens homes and damaged critical infrastructure.

This executive order will expedite the removal of hazardous debris from the impacted areas and will waive fees to replace documents like driver’s licenses and birth certificates for those affected by the fires. ==================
Police seized ovr 3,300 outdoor marijuana plants and arrested six people in an investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force
After spotting and confiscating the plants in July, cops raided a residence formerly known as the red lava wine tasting. The six suspects fled. The task force recovered around 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 9 pounds of processed marijuana, a loaded SKS pistol grip rifle,, and over $80,000 in cash.
Five of the subjects that fled were apprehended; one of which was armed with a loaded .38 caliber revolver that he attempted to discard during a foot pursuit. Another subject arrived during the investigation and narcotics detectives determined he was associated with the crime scene and was subsequently arrested. ===============
Firefighters put an end to the Peterson Fire’s 215 acre run on Thursday evening. Cal Fire declared the blaze 100 percent contained yesterday evening.
The fire broke out on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m., southwest of Kelseyville. Although initial reports suggested it was about to break out of control, crews from several agencies, including Kelseyville, were quickly able to pen Peterson at 200 acres and hold it.
Although the fire is listed as contained, Cal Fire will keep four trucks and 16 firefighters on the scene for now. These forces will run patrols and continue mop up operations. =========================
The City of Lakeport Public Works Department has announced that starting today the continuing work on the USDA Main Street Project will begin on the next phase. Southbound 7th Street through 9th Street will be closed to through traffic. Northbound traffic will not be detoured. The work on this phase is expected to take two to three days. ===========
The two most recent wildfires in Lake County appear to have been sparked by equipment. Cal Fire didn’t say exactly what kind of equipment sparked the Grade and Peterson fires. Cal Fire Spokeswoman Emily Smith says those findings are preliminary and they’re still investigating. Fire officials ask that area residents be careful. They say all kinds of equipment from from mowers and trimmers with metal blades, to anything with a hot motor, including cars, can spark fires under dry conditions
The Grade fire burned 22 acres, a residence and numerous vehicles early this week in southern Lake County. It is fully contained. The Peterson fire near Kelseyville was last reported at 215 acres and 90 percent contained. =======================
A Ukiah man who was supposed to be confined to his home by an ankle monitor was found walking around town Wednesday after removing the bracelet. Ukiah police were looking for Baraquiel Ruiz , 28, when they found him walking on South State Street. He denied his identity, but police confirmed the man was Ruiz and arrested him for escape and providing a false identity. Police say Ruiz was also in possession of more than 20 grams of methamphetamine. =================
Geysers Power Company has been given a time extension by the Lake County Planning Commission on Use Permits for two of its well sites. The time extensions for the two sites were brought before the commission together because the two well beds are adjacent to each other. Under the extensions, the use permit expirations are extended to March 17, 2047 and July 25, 2045, respectively. A stipulation recommended by staff is that no new construction beyond that which was previously approved be done. ======================
With almost no public input offered last night, the Lake County Planning commission speedily approved an extension of a tentative subdivision map in North Lakeport.
The commission originally approved the subdivision map in 2006, which permitted the subdivision of a 37-acre lot into 137 residential lots. A two-year extension was approved at least partly because the area is currently under a connection moratorium, and active water connections are required before any construction can start ============
A lifelong Ukiah resident celebrated her 103rd birthday yesterday. Lena Quick told stories about her early life with family and friends. She remembers commuting into Ukiah as a girl with a horse and wagon driven by her father. Quick said she worked in the fruit fields until she was 75. Quick says she’s lived a relatively healthy life but says being 103 is not for sissies. =====================
The Lake County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an agreement totaling more than $1 million for the extension of a waterline this week. Back in May, the board approved the consolidation of the county-operated Paradise Valley Water System, with the Clearlake Oaks County Water District because of ongoing operational costs. As part of the consolidation agreement, Lake County Special Districts must install a little less than two miles of pipeline between the service areas. ===============================
A large tortoise that escaped from her home in Ukiah Saturday has been returned safe and sound. On Saturday Sean white says his 60 pound tortoise Dora got out of the yard by pushing down a section of fence. Someone who found Dora in the road picked her up. White and his girlfriend put up signs for Dora all over the neighborhood, and once her rescuer saw it he got Dora home as soon as possible. =======================
A man who said he spent $100,000 on plastic surgery in order to look like pop star Justin Bieber was found dead in a San Fernando Valley motel room, a law enforcement source said Wednesday.
Tobias Strebel, 35, also went by the name Toby Sheldon and gained attention on reality TV for his efforts to emulate Bieber appearance, appearing on shows such as “My Strange Addiction.”